This year’s A2IM Indie Week will run June 12th-15th, wrapping with the 12th annual Libera Awards, which will be its biggest edition to date, to be held at Town Hall - once again open to the public. Indie Week programming HERE.
The Libera Awards will be hosted by Hannibal Buress (who will also perform under his hip-hop Eshu Tune moniker), and will feature performances from the legendary Martha Reeves, Marshall Alan and Sun Ra Arkestra (both of whom will be receiving Independent Icon Awards), GRAMMY nominated artists Margo Price and Shamekia Copeland. Latin GRAMMY winner Gaby Moreno. Along with Dawn Richard + Spencer Zahn, Seratones, and TamTam. Last month A2IM announced this year's nominations in 37 categories, celebrating the best of independent music across all genres, along within the independent music industry, an Independent Champion and Humanitarian Award. Wet Leg leads the way with 6 nominations, followed by Sudan Archives, Allison Russell, Fontaines D.C., and Soul Glo with 3 each.
A2IM Indie Week has become the premier music conference held in New York City. Running for over 15 years, and with over 1,200 attendees, it's the largest independent music gathering in the world. Yearly, Indie Week hosts over 60 panels and workshops, 1,800 curated business meetings, and countless opportunities tailor-made for the independent sector's unique needs.
In the past year alone, A2IM has lobbied the FCC to grant MusicFirst/Future of Music petition for reconsideration of 2019 repeal of FM duplication rule. Secured a letter from congressional multicultural media caucus leaders to Spotify regarding deceptive advertising and lack of disclosure on Discovery Mode tracks and participants. Participated in Copyright Office roundtables on Standardized Technical Measures to combat piracy. Advocated against California 7-year law crucial to winning delay in consideration of bill until at least 2023. Continued petitioning on the HITS Act to the House and Senate, working with Rep. Sanchez and Chairman Richard Neal to include provision in House passed version of Build Back Better Act. Conducted advocacy against Copyright Royalty Board rules for participation, objection and discovery related to RIAA/NMPA settlement on mechanical royalties for downloads and physical sales. Aligned with SCL and others, pushing RIAA to support our demands. Key leadership position in MusicFirst coalition leading to Senate bill introduction and successful House markup in December, leading to the best outcome in over a decade. Led advocacy for Protect Working Musician Act (antitrust), securing new sponsor Rep. Ross. And joined breakup Ticketmaster coalition. Conducting advocacy at the Dept. of Justice highlighting impact of Live Nation merger on indie artists and labels.
A2IM is led by President and CEO, Dr. Richard James Burgess MBE, a longtime musician, producer and innovator in music and the music industry over the past 45 years, along with GM, Lisa Hresko.
